New motel owner enjoying venture

New owner Oleddia Henson stands in the courtyard of the Diamond Motel,
located at 118 Spring Street. Henson and her husband Kelly moved to
Terry last month. Oleddia’s son George McCulley is helping renovate
the property.

By Kay Braddock

Oleddia Henson is the new owner of the Diamond Motel. Henson took over management of the 12-unit motel June 19, purchasing the property from Bill and Fran Fleckenstein, who had owned and managed the motel since 1986.

Henson and her husband Kelly come from Belfield, N.D., where they operated a small farm. Oleddia also worked as a waitress at the Trapper’s Kettle for 11 years.

Purchasing the property became a consideration for the couple after Kelly saw the motel for sale on the Internet. The couple, along with Oleddia’s son, George McCulley, visited Terry in May.

“Oh, my, if that’s what you all want to do, then that’s what we’ll do,” Oleddia recalled saying at the time to the two men. “Now, I really like it,” she added.

Oleddia is an Arkansas native. Kelly was raised in Williston, N.D. The couple met in Alaska, before moving back to Kelly’s home state.

The 60-year-old grandmother of 10 says she is looking forward to the new business venture.

“I’m not the type to just sit in a rocking chair,” Oleddia said. “I’m up and about and want to stay that way.”

Along with adding new windows and doors to the units, the former motel office is being renovated and will be reopened in the next few weeks, Oleddia said. The motel office, located in the southeast section of the motel had been used as a storage room in recent years. Having it in place, she hopes to minimize visits to their home residence, which is housed in the southwest section of the motel.

“I want it to look professional,” Oleddia said.

The couple also plans to reroof the building.

Besides enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of Terry, Oleddia said she’s appreciating the business coming in. “It’s been full almost every night,” she said.